Chapter 1183

Wrenching her arm free, Jocelyn shouted, "I won't apologize! What are you going to do? If you're so bold, hit me!" She thrust her tear-streaked, flushed face toward Zoey, as if bearing a profound injustice.

Zoey, of course, would never strike her, but a cold laugh escaped her lips. "Very well. Then I'll go to the Quinton family and ask Lord Gerald about your upbringing."

She turned to Carissa. "Headmistress, your testimony would be invaluable."

Carissa nodded. "If you see Lord Gerald, I will speak frankly."

Vera knew the repercussions of Gerald learning about this would be disastrous for their family branch. Gritting her teeth, she said to Jocelyn, "Apologize."

Tears streamed down Jocelyn's face as she stamped her foot. "Mom, I won't! They're bullying me, trying to expel me! They should apologize!"

Vera, seeing the cold expressions on Zoey and Carissa's faces, adopted a stern demeanor. "If you've done wrong, apologizing is proper," she said.

Jocelyn felt she'd suffered enough. Her mother wasn't supporting her, and now demanded an apology. Angrily throwing her hands down, she cried, "I won't apologize! Let them make a scene! I'd rather die than back down!"

She bolted for the door, but Carissa intercepted her, pulling her back toward Zoey.

Carissa addressed Zoey, "This happened at Gracewood Women's Academy; the academy shares responsibility. Since she harmed Ms. Prince's reputation, we'll involve the authorities. Whatever they decide, the academy will bear its share of the blame."

Zoey, holding Courtney's hand, replied solemnly, "If that's your suggestion, we'll go to the authorities, Lady Carissa."

Jocelyn froze, eyes wide with fear. "I don't want to go to the authorities!"

There was no way a well-bred young lady could be sent to the authorities. How could she ever face society again?

"Then apologize! Get it over with so we can leave this wretched place!" Vera snapped, her voice sharp with anger.

Jocelyn fumed, then reluctantly approached Courtney and Zoey. Pursed lips muttered, "Sorry, I was wrong."

Her tone remained resentful, but Zoey didn't want to prolong the argument. Sighing, she said flatly, "Enough. We can't afford to antagonize the Quinton family."

Zoey's words, overheard by other students, were also intended for them. The Quinton family had grown arrogant, oblivious to their perception. Kylie brazenly pursued advantageous marriages with military generals, bolstering Connor's position.

If even Zoey saw this clearly, how could Salvador fail to suspect Kylie's attempt to force his hand in declaring Connor crown prince? Therefore, a falling-out with the Quintons was acceptable.

Vera, though uncomfortable, didn't dwell on it, grabbing Jocelyn and leaving.

Even Catherine frowned. "What has become of the Quinton family's fourth branch?"

"The Quinton family is no longer what it once was," Athena replied.

Other students were present, so the conversation ended. Rosalind dismissed the students to prepare for class, her demeanor calm and gentle.

Carissa remained for a brief discussion with Kyle, while Zoey comforted Courtney and explained the situation.

In Kyle's class, everyone behaved well, especially during his painting lessons. Their eagerness was inspiring.

Kyle commented, "Ms. Young works hardest and worries most. Her class has troublemakers, but thankfully one's gone. The others will be intimidated. Since the academy opened, she's endured much gossip but handled it all. She's stronger than we thought, so don't worry."

Carissa agreed. After further conversation, she stood. "I'm going with Madam Zoey. We need to discuss things en route."

Kyle nodded, concern evident. "Go ahead." Pausing, he added, "Cari, choose a few women skilled in martial arts to guard the academy. I'm worried."

Carissa understood his worry, sharing it herself. Few women knew martial arts. Alana and Leah were at Skye Embroidery, leaving only Mabel, Claire, and others to rotate. Carissa wished for more female martial arts students.